Hannover offers many beauties, including the largest city forest of Europe, the Eilenriede. You might also want to follow the Red Thread, which leads you along all the places of interest. Inspect the impressive city miniatures that show how Hannover was at the start of the century, just before its destruction in the Second World War, its devastated state just after the destruction and how it has developed to its current state. A must-see is the Herrenhausen Gardens, which includes the English-style baroque gardens, the botanical garden and the modern grotto by Niki de Saint Phalle (you either love it or hate it).

Check out the Hannover Tourism & Culture Website for information on restaurants, museums, sightseeing, recreation and events. An insider tip: the Maschsee Lake Festival 2008 will start on 30 July, with many street performances, concerts, good food and beer. Take the tube to Aegidientorplatz and join the fun. The local chair challenges you to drink a LÃŒttje Lage without spilling a drip.

For those who want to travel just a bit further, below some popular destinations.

The Harz Mountains
Goslar
Hamelin
Hildesheim